Tensions between the Miami Dolphins and wide receiver Mike Wallace have been reportedly climbing this offseason. So much so, in fact, that the team has been rumored to be shopping him to interested parties such as the Seattle Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts. Even if the Dolphins don't ultimately trade or release Wallace, they could start thinking about his replacement as soon as this upcoming NFL draft.
ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. believes that Miami could select Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker as an eventual (or immediate) successor to the mercurial Wallace.
"Brandon Gibson is gone, Brian Hartline is too, and Mike Wallace has a chance to be traded," Kiper wrote. "In short, wide receiver is becoming a pretty clear need for this offense. Parker has as high a ceiling as you can find in this class and it wouldn't surprise me at all if someday we're talking about him as the best of the top three guys in this class, as I have them closely grouped. Parker will beat defenders to the ball on high-point catches with his size, leaping ability and catch radius, and he's underrated as a threat to add yards after the catch on short throws. I can see Miami going a few different ways here, but Parker makes sense because the Dolphins need to keep options available for Ryan Tannehill."
Providing Tannehill with more weapons is likely another way for the Dolphins to figure out what to do with him and his contract. Tannehill is entering the final year of his rookie deal and Miami still isn't entirely sure what they have in the young quarterback.
If the team wants to add Parker, though, they may face stiff competition. The explosive pass-catcher has also been linked to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 11 and the Cleveland Browns at No. 12. Would Miami be willing to trade up for Parker to expedite Wallace's exit from town? No one knows. One thing is for sure, though, Parker will not lack for suitors in the NFL draft.
